By Javier Antonio Quinones Ortiz
Free jazz drummer Denis A. Charles
is memorialized through this film production honoring a West Indies born and
New York bred musician whose chaotic life was invested on the fringes of
sanity and creativity. Charles' life would've been a dream come true for
researchers such as Key
Redfield Jamison. Unfortunately, just about when Charles got his act
together, he passed away.
The film, which is yet another chapter in the extensive French documentation
of sundry jazz forms and figures, relies heavily on verbal story-telling by
various friends, musicians, associates, and lovers of Charles. Of course,
the subject of the film also has plenty of airtime. Unlike the former
supporting cast, there's very little victimary discourse coming from Charles
himself. When it comes to socio political commentary, most musicians do
better making their points, their validity notwithstanding, playing their
respective instruments.
Ironically, the weakest front of the film is musical as Charles actual and
alleged prowess as a drummer is not given enough opportunity to shine
through in filmed clips. Most of the ones included can't be considered
paramount examples of drumming, unlike a lot of his recorded legacy. Given
the fact that Charles obviously touched many important people, within and
beyond musical confines, it is high time, nonetheless, to rehear what this
troubled-yet-gentle fellow "Caribbeaner" had to say with his drumming. This
film certainly helps along in that regard.
Producer/Director Véronique N. Doumbé
Ndolo Films
(212) 228-4254
vero@ndolofilms.com